The 1860s encompassed the western white migration to the west, the Long Walk of the Navajos that nearly annihilated the tribe, and the Civil War between the North and the South. White River is the middle story of Blue Turquoise, White Shell that takes place in the 1850s and the 1990s. Kaab't is the child of a Navajo leader's daughter and a Boston doctor who joined the US Army to seek his fortune. He is the ancestor of the Navajo lawyer and Boston doctor in the 1990s story. White River is Kaab't's story. .  

 White River has won the 2014 Indie Silver Medal. It is the companion book to Blue Turquoise, White Shel which just won the 2014 Eric Hoffer Award.